Spectacular new visions ahead for National Memorial Arboretum visitors

Visitors can get ready to ‘Look Up’ and turn their eyes to the skies this summer at the National Memorial Arboretum – and gain a new perspective on nature.

Inspired by the world around us, ‘Look Up’, the Arboretum’s free summer programme, running from 27 July – 31 August, will mix fun creative performance, immersive art, sensory play and participation to help visitors of all ages develop a new connection with nature.

‘Cloudscapes’ – daily from 10am to 5pm - invites visitors to settle down on a giant beanbag in one of the all-weather cloud-gazing pods at the Arboretum. Whilst looking up to the skies, a specially commissioned piece of sound art by Lorna Rees will explore humanity’s relationship with the sky above.

Meanwhile, on Wednesdays during the summer holidays, families can get involved in free, cloud-inspired Creative Takeovers, with admission by free ticket.

• B'Opera presents ‘Fluffball The Flighty Cloud’ (31 July/28 August, 11am/1pm) - this new piece of children’s first opera-theatre follows the tale of Miss T (Misty) and her flighty flock of fluffballs.
• Cloud Poetry (7 August, 11am/12noon/1pm/2pm) – the Arboretum’s poet-in-residence Dan Simpson will host poetry workshops inspired by the clouds.
• Interactive Storytelling - (14/ 21 August, 11am/12noon/1pm/2pm) - the Arboretum is known for sharing stories, and younger visitors will love hearing cloud inspired tales, told by talented storytellers.

Admission to Creative Takeovers is by free ticket and advance booking via the Arboretum’s website is recommended. On the day tickets are subject to availability.

On August 14 and 21 (11am to 3pm), Creative Takeovers will host free arts and crafts drop-in sessions, with the sky’s the limit for young imaginations.

Also daily from 10am to 5pm the Reflections of  the Sky and Sensory Boxes initiative will enable visitors to create their own unique skyscape and explore cloud inspired textures and shapes using fun sensory play boxes. From fluffy cotton clouds to colourful feathers mimicking birds in flight, young Arboretum visitors can craft their own personalised reflection of the sky.

And in ‘Cloud Corner’ in the Remembrance Centre (also daily from 10am to 5pm), visitors of all ages can pick a cloud-inspired story from the bookcase, pen their own tale and pick-up a cloud finder to use as they explore the Arboretum. Families can relax on beanbags while enjoying cloud-themed stories or creating their own narratives, with the chance to win a family ticket to Illuminated Arboretum.

“From adults enjoying a peaceful escape in Cloudscapes, to families getting involved in our cloud-inspired performances and storytelling, 'Look Up’ encourages visitors of all ages to explore a deeper connection with nature,” said Rachel Smith, Head of Participation and Learning at the National Memorial Arboretum.

‘Look Up’ is at the Arboretum from Saturday 27 July to Saturday 31 August, and details of the full programme can be found on the Arboretum’s website. The Arboretum is free to visit and booking online in advance is recommended to guarantee entry and save on parking (£4 in advance, £6 on the day).

Advance booking for the free ticketed Wednesday Creative Takeover sessions is also recommended. Click here for more information.